Astros’ Brandon Lyon done for 2011

Brandon Lyon‘s 2011 season has come to an end, according to the Houston Chronicle, as he heads to surgery to fix a number of issues in his right arm. The surgery will be performed by sports’ most famous surgeon, Dr. James Andrew, and they will be repairing Lyon’s right bicep as well as a partial torn rotator cuff and some labrum damage.

Lyon has been pitching through pain for most of 2011 and believes the rotator cuff tear has been there for most, if not, all of the season. This would probably explain the ERA over 11, the four blown saves, as well as giving up three home runs in his last three appearances. This now opens the door for Mark Melancon to be the primary closer for the remainder of the season, a position he has thrived in so far this season.

Hopefully Brandon Lyon can come back strong for 2012 because he provide a veteran arm out of the bullpen which is something this team is missing. Last year he pitched pretty well for the Astros down the stretch, collecting 20 saves in 22 chances with a 3.12 ERA. If he can return to that level the Astros could work a Lyon, Wilton Lopez, Mark Melancon combination that would be pretty effective.